Chelsea's requirement to bolster their midfield is amplified by the fact that Frank Lampard will leave the club. Manchester United had significant interest in Fabregas last season, but they currently have no plans to enter the race.

New manager Louis van Gaal is said to have drawn up a completely new list of targets, which resulted in the end of the pursuit of Bayern's Toni Kroos after months of work, and Fabregas is not on it. It remains to be seen, however, whether Chelsea's interest will cause that situation to change.

Meanwhile, the Times reports that Chelsea have also opened talks with Atletico Madrid about signing midfielder Koke, though face stiff competition from Barcelona.